Bangladesh, Bhutan keen to take bilateral ties to new heights

Bangladesh and Bhutan are keen to take their bilateral relations to a new height.

This was said when Bhutanese prime minister Lotay Tshering met president Abdul Hamid at Bangabhaban on Saturday evening.

The president welcomed the Bhutanese prime minister with a bouquet after he reached the presidential palace.

Principal information officer (PIO) Joynal Abedin briefed reporters after the meeting.

As Bhutan recognised Bangladesh first after the independence, Bangladesh gives special importance to its ties with Bhutan, Joynal said quoting the president as saying.

The president said the relationship between the two countries is increasing day by day in different sectors, expressing the hope that it will reach a new height in the days to come.

"If memoranda of understanding signed during the Bhutanese prime minister's visit can be implemented, the relationship in different sectors, including trade and investment, will expand further," he said.

Recalling the memories of his student life in Bangladesh, the Bhutanese prime minister said he is very happy to visit Bangladesh again.

Mentioning the discussion with prime minister Sheikh Hasina, he said this visit would remain as a milestone.

Lotay Tshering also lauded the socioeconomic development of Bangladesh.

Foreign minister AK Abdul Momen, foreign secretary Shahidul Haque and Bangladesh ambassador to Bhutan Jishnu Roy Choudhury were present from Bangladesh side.

Secretaries to the president were also present during the meeting.

On Friday morning, Tshering arrived here on a three-day official visit at the invitation of prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

The two prime ministers met for official talks on Saturday morning.

Five Memoranda of Understanding were signed by both sides paving the way for strengthening cooperation between the two countries in the areas of health, agriculture, shipping, tourism and public administration training.